Leicester City’s recent developments have shed light on the manager’s approach to team management and his astonishment at the team’s swift adaptation to his style of play.
Enzo Maresca expressed surprise at the rapid assimilation of his playing style by the Leicester City team, notably evident from the pre-season encounter with Liverpool, an early indicator of the team’s alignment with his methodology at a faster pace than anticipated.
Under Maresca’s leadership, Leicester City has achieved a record-breaking performance in the Championship’s first half of the season. The recent 3-0 victory over Rotherham United solidified their position at the top of the table with an impressive 58 points from 23 games, leading by six points as they approach the much-anticipated Boxing Day clash against second-placed Ipswich.
Maresca’s strategic style has been pivotal in Leicester’s dominant season, characterized by a possession-based approach aimed at wearing down opponents. The surprise at the team’s adeptness to the new playing style was rooted in their early pre-season display against Liverpool, during which they created numerous chances in the initial phase of the game, leaving the manager pleasantly astonished.
Reflecting on the pre-season encounter, Maresca shared, “It was the pre-season game against Liverpool. The first 20 minutes. After the game, I said, ‘*** hell guys’ because it was such a short time together before that. We played so well for the first 15-20 minutes.” He further emphasized that the team’s consistency and results have not only surprised him but also everyone associated with the club.
Amidst on-field transformation, Maresca also provided insights into his man-management style and highlighted his non-negotiable stance on addressing poor behavior or lack of respect towards the management, staff, or teammates. Furthermore, he conveyed an openness to engage with players on a range of topics and issues, fostering an environment of communication and support.
Beyond the playing arena, Maresca has instigated a shift in the club’s mentality, exemplified by a subtle yet impactful change at the Seagrave’s training ground. He advocated for showcasing the club’s recent achievements by displaying trophies, emphasizing the club’s significant successes over the past decade. This, he believes, serves as a daily reminder of the club’s remarkable accomplishments and reinforces the understanding of the club’s ethos and legacy among players, staff, and all associated with Leicester City.
